With a name like Trafford, it must have seemed an obvious decision when the chance came to sign for Manchester United.

But instead James Trafford opted to join their deadly rivals Manchester City - and the young West Cumbrian couldn't be happier.

Farmer's son James, 12, from Greysouthen near Cockermouth, has joined the super-rich Premier League club having been scouted whilst playing for Carlisle United's academy sides.

The promising goalkeeper, who has also trained with England, will join up with some of the best young players in the country as he aims to fulfil his dream of becoming a Premier League player.

And his decision to sign for City followed a tug-of-war for the talented youngster, with Man Utd and Newcastle having also shown interest.

His dad, also James, said: "With a name like Trafford, I always said jokingly that the only team he could go to was Man United.

"But when it came to choose, City were fantastic. Despite being one of the biggest clubs in the world, it's like a family there.

"They have made James and the family feel extremely welcome and it's an opportunity that doesn't come along very often.

"For a farmer's lad from Greysouthen to end up at Man City...we're extremely proud of him."

As part of the dream move, James will live with a host family in Stockport while being enrolled at the private St Bede's College, where City educate all their academy players.

His pals at Cockermouth School threw a surprise leaving party when he opted to sign for City, while the 12-year-old - a Chelsea fan - says he is undaunted by the big move.

"The night dad told me all those clubs were watching me, I didn't believe him," he said. "It's not something you hear every day. After I slept on it, I got my head around it.

"But I'm not nervous. I'm looking forward to the full experience.

"The first-team players are in the same place we train. I've met Gael Clichy and Vincent Kompany, and I've seen Joe Hart training. It's really exciting."

James, who went to Dean Primary School and started as an outfield player with Cockermouth Football Club, was nurtured in Carlisle's academy by coach Ben Benson, who is now at Blackburn Rovers.

He was rated by Benson and academy boss Alan Moore as one of the most promising goalkeepers Carlisle's youth-set up have ever had.

Mum Alison added: "Ben told us that Man City had been watching James since he was nine.

"Ben was excellent with him and always felt he was going to go a long way. We're very grateful for everything he has done, and Cockermouth School couldn't have been any more supportive.

"At first I wasn't happy at the thought of him being away from home, but he will still come back every Friday and have plenty of time to spend with his friends and family.

"Having been down there plenty of times - and they also came to see us - we're very comfortable with how he will be looked after at Man City.

"It's something he really wants to do. You can't hold him back."

And while the move will bring an end to James' occasional work on the farm, his dad says he has no reservations about his son's choice.

"He helps us get the sheep into the field - it's one of his favourite jobs," said James senior. "But I've never said that he must farm.

"You've got to let them go their own way. He's been focused on football from such a young age."